Third year US student here. I think when you get to the floors you'll find the converse is true far more often. Patients, family, even nurses/techs will start to treat you with the respect and authority of a physician. On my more big-headed days, I have to remind myself that it is not so much authority as responsibility, and it is a responsibility I have not earned and cannot accept (yet). That short coat is more than just a lesson in humility, it is a reminder that we have an entire career of practical knowledge to acquire and master. For my part, I try to see every staff member and patient on the floor as a chance to learn and grow. If an over-worked nurse wants me to help clean or transport a patient, mop up a mess or move a food tray in exchange for his/her partnership in my learning, I consider that tradeoff more than fair. Remember that you will be working with ancillary staff for the remainder of your career. If you approach your clerkships with a "my job, your job" mentality you will have a very one-dimensional experience at best, have your life made intentionally difficult at worst. Seriously, don't fuck with the nurses.

With that being said, I am a white male and I understand/respect that there is cultural/racial subtext that informs the way I am treated on the floors and in society in general. You (and everyone) HAVE earned the right to be treated with basic respect/dignity. If you feel you're being disrespected (by staff, residents, attendings, peers), the best thing to do is take a day, vent it off, and send an email to the administration. Disrespect at the hands of a patient is a different story, and can take many forms from subtle to overt. Depending on where you live, I can almost guarantee you will encounter racist patients on the floor. Treating every patient with the same care and respect regardless of their personal merit is precisely what defines the field of medicine.

I was walking down a quiet street in Toronto a few months ago, and I came across this ribbon-cutting ceremony. I remember thinking, as I observed this mob of people waving champagne glasses and chanting "WOMEN, WOMEN, WOMEN" in the middle of the street and I thought to myself, "Oh, shit, I've gotta get out of here."

So true.
a) you can't see the Sears tower from the Sears tower, and it is really striking architecturally, especially from the slightly off center view that the Hancock affords
b) the Hancock building is on the north side of downtown, affording a much more comprehensive view than the Sears tower, which is in the west loop
c) much cheaper/less crowded
d) closer to the "Magnificent mile" shopping, beaches, and of course
e) NAVY PIER, which is essentially an expensive truck stop that overlooks the water

Also if you're going to Chicago this weekend don't expect to see anything except for high as balls hipsters and loaded teenie boppers. Seriously, fuck lollapalooza ಠ_ಠ

My great grandpa played more or less during this era. 4-time all star reserve, even made it to the World Series once. When he retired, he went back to work. I believe he was a building superintendent at the time of his death. Different times, man

Probably too late to the party for this to be seen but Jay, are you aware that the clinical skills videos that you participated in are still being used at our medical school? Easily the most hilarious part of my first year.